Pioneer black aviator Bessie Coleman was tragically killed in an air accident April 30, 1926.

It’s tempting to draw parallels between me and Ms. Coleman . . .[but] I point to Bessie Coleman and say here is a woman, a being, who exemplifies and serves as a model for all humanity, the very definition of strength, dignity, courage, integrity, and beauty.
– Dr. Mae Jemison (first African American woman astronaut) carried a photo of Bessie Coleman into space on her first space shuttle mission September 1992 Bessie Coleman (cradleofaviation.org)

Bessie Coleman
From the Black Heritage series
Issued April 27, 1995, by USPS
I can’t seem to locate the artist behind this stamp.

US .25c piece Bessie Coleman 6.15.1921 (the date she obtained her pilot’s license)
Part of the American Women Quarters series
1923
Sculptor: Eric David Custer, Medallic Artist
Designer: Chris Costello, Artistic Infusion Program

Coleman, the daughter of sharecroppers, was the first African American woman to gain a pilot’s license and among the first black pilots to be licensed.  June 15, 1921, she received license #18310 from the Fédération Aéronautique Internationale at the famed L’Ecole d’Aviation des Freres Cauldron. at Le Crotoy, Somme, France. Her achievement was noted in the French publication L’Aerophile September 1921.

Before heading home, Coleman travelled about Europe, acquiring advanced flight training from such places as the Fokker Corporation. She met Anthony Fokker in one of her trips and was given further flight instructions from one of the Fokker company’s top pilots. 

Queen Bess, as she was nicknamed, was a huge draw at flying shows as she barnstormed across the US. Her first US appearance took place September 3, 1922, in Long Island, NY where she appeared in an airshow paying tribute to all-black 369th Infantry Regiment. 

Her ultimate goal was to open a flight school for black students. Bessie Coleman was a fierce in her determination to blaze a path for African Americans who wanted to fly and used her participation in flying shows to encourage them. She refused to fly in any show that prevented Africa Americans from entering the grounds. 

Coleman used her growing fame to tour the country, giving flight lessons, performing in shows, and encouraging African Americans and women to learn how to fly. She also made a point of refusing to speak or perform anywhere that segregated or discriminated against African Americans.
Bessie Coleman Quarter | American Women Quarters | U.S. Mint (usmint.gov)

A short 5 years later, Coleman was killed in a flight accident.